It is obvious that before starting to design and code a computer program, the

programmer should have all the relevant information required to solve the

problem. This information should include:

$$ what operation the program is expected to perform

$$ details of input data that will be used

$$ an indication of the expected output

$$ any additional information such as mathematical formulae to be used, as well

as any hints that would help in the solution.

All this information forms the PROGRAM SPECIFICATION.